The list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a useful tool when planning a trip: it allows travelers to identify the must-see spots for an itinerary. But some of these spots generate more curiosity and daydreams than others, starting with the Taj Mahal, which is the most searched for spot, according to the latest data.
UNESCO’s World Heritage list features 1,154 cultural, natural and mixed properties – a host of ideas providing inspiration when it comes to planning a future trip. The country that is home to the site most often searched for online by holidaymakers is India: according to data collected by the Zitango Travel website, the Taj Mahal is the most popular destination for travelers seeking online inspiration over the month of March. The pristine mausoleum generated no less than 1.4 million (14 lakh) searches in a month. The monument created by a Mughal emperor of Muslim faith as a tribute to his wife is one of the most beautiful proofs of love, so it’s no surprise that it generates such fascination and interest among travelers.
Taj Mahal is the most searched for UNESCO World Heritage Site, check out the others
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Would-be adventurers are also interested in ancient civilisations and so it makes perfect sense that the majestic Machu Picchu, in Peru, sparks curiosity. The ancient Inca city tallied 1.1 million (11 lakh) searches during the studied period. Travelers are attracted by such sites built by ancient societies or mystical groups whose customs and rites still hold many mysteries, such as Stonhenge in the UK (7,82, 000 searches), the Nabataean city of Petra in Jordan (575,000 searches) and Chichen Itza in Mexico (4,45,000 searches).
As the world’s leading tourist destination, France has not failed to make its mark with the presence of the palace of Versailles, which attracts 464,000 searches per month.
Here is the ranking of the most-searched UNESCO World Heritage sites:
1. Taj Mahal (14,00,000) – India
2. Machu Picchu (11,00,000) – Peru
3. Rio de Janeiro (8,24,000) – Brazil
4. Yellowstone National Park (7,93,000) – the USA
5. Stonehenge (7,82,000) – the UK
6. Statue of Liberty (7,57, 000) – the USA
7. Petra (5,75,000) – Jordan
8. Cinque Terre (5,50,000) – Italy
9. Palace of Versailles (4,64,000) – France
10. Chichen Itza (4,45,000) – Mexico
This story first appeared on AFP Relax News
Hero and Featured Image: Paras Upadhyay/Pexels
Related: #WhyWeLoveIndia: Jacqueline Gifford’s (Editor-in-chief at T+L, US) Ode To The Taj Mahal
Anushka Goel
Digital Features Writer
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
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